Philippine Court Acquits Duterte Critic of Drug Charges After Lengthy Legal Battle and Six Years in Police Custody

Photo : Reuters

A Philippine court has dismissed drug charges against Leila De Lima, a prominent critic of former President Rodrigo Duterte's controversial "war on drugs." De Lima, a former senator, spent over six years in police custody amid allegations that she received payoffs from convicted drug lords to fund her 2016 senatorial campaign. This legal victory marks the conclusion of a protracted legal battle that saw De Lima released on bail last November after being acquitted of two counts; she was cleared of the final charge on Monday, as confirmed by her lawyer to state broadcaster PTV.

During Duterte's presidency from 2016 to 2022, more than 6,000 individuals were killed in anti-drug operations, primarily in impoverished areas. Human rights advocates criticized De Lima's prolonged detention without conviction, citing it as symptomatic of deteriorating human rights conditions in the Philippines, where activists and journalists often face threats and violence for challenging those in power.

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Supporters cheered De Lima's exoneration outside the courthouse in Muntinlupa city, chanting "Leila is free." Addressing the media, De Lima held Duterte accountable for the alleged injustices committed during his tenure, lamenting the thousands of lives lost and individuals unjustly incarcerated due to the controversial drug war.

Duterte has defended the extrajudicial killings of drug suspects, asserting they are lawful acts of self-defense by law enforcement. His administration has vehemently opposed international scrutiny, including from the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has launched investigations into the alleged human rights violations under Duterte's regime. Despite the Philippines' withdrawal from the ICC, the court retains jurisdiction over crimes committed during the country's membership period (2016-2019).

De Lima's legal ordeal and the broader context of Duterte's drug war have sparked international condemnation and raised concerns about rule of law and human rights in the Philippines.